At CES, smart home specialist Xthings has unveiled a diverse collection of updated Ultraloq smart locks, incorporating advanced biometric entry methods alongside options tailored for Z-Wave professional setups. The firm indicates that these innovations cater to residential users desiring enhanced ease of use as well as installers handling integrated security networks.
Headlining the releases is the Matter-compatible Ultraloq Bolt Mission, which employs ultra-wideband (UWB) for accurately pinpointing a user's position and triggering the lock to open solely upon direct arrival at the entrance, rather than mere general proximity from a device like a phone or accessory. Xthings highlights how this method reduces chances of erroneous openings seen in basic location-sensing setups and bolsters defenses against relay exploits, where criminals mimic signals from distant legitimate devices to bypass locks.
Beyond UWB, the Bolt Mission enables unlocking through NFC via wearables like smartwatches, numeric codes, smartphone applications, and traditional keys. Installation typically takes around five minutes, with the battery lasting up to a year, per the manufacturer's details.
Another addition, the Ultraloq Bolt Sense, integrates palm vein and face identification alongside numeric entry, app management, and automatic opening features. It comes with embedded Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and forthcoming compatibility with Matter, Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings, and Home Assistant. The unit runs on a 10,000mAh rechargeable power source, offering recognition in half a second at 99.9% reliability, as stated by Xthings.
Aimed at those wanting fingerprint and NFC capabilities, the Bolt Pro includes current Wi-Fi 6 functionality with anticipated Matter approval. It accommodates over 100 fingerprint profiles, enables remote management and app operations, and delivers biometric verification in 0.3 seconds.
Targeting Z-Wave-dependent environments, Xthings has launched Z-Wave 800-based models including the Ultraloq Bolt Z-Wave and the variant with fingerprint access. Each provides wireless reach extending to 1,300 feet, 12-month battery duration, and capacity for 250 unique access codes.
Although Z-Wave falls outside the Matter framework, its superior distance and power conservation—resulting in extended battery performance—appeal strongly to expert installers and knowledgeable self-setup enthusiasts. Xthings is reinforcing this focus by ensuring compatibility with Alarm.com, Home Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings throughout the Z-Wave offerings.
The fingerprint-equipped Bolt Z-Wave version layers biometric entry onto comprehensive Z-Wave system linkage. Both variants allow traditional key use, code entry, and app-based control.
Through these offerings, Xthings aims to address broad segments of the smart lock sector, from tech-forward consumers to specialists favoring established protocols such as Z-Wave. Details on costs and launch dates for the entire series are slated for reveal at CES.
CES visitors can view Xthings' demonstrations at booth #52317 in the Venetian Expo.
This report forms part of TechHive's comprehensive review of top smart lock solutions.